How To Get Rid of Your Bad Breath? Helpful Habits To Follow

Good oral hygiene is essential in preventing bad breath. If you are someone with bad breath, here are a few tips and tricks that can help you.

Brushing your teeth

When you brush your teeth, you are removing harmful bacteria from the mouth and gums. If teeth and gums are not properly cleaned, bacteria can build up and cause bad breath, cavities, and other serious oral health issues. It is important to brush for at least two minutes twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if it’s worn, frayed, or has visible damage.

Flossing your teeth

Most dentists and hygienists recommend flossing at least once a day. It’s important to also floss at least once a day after you brush your teeth. This helps remove food particles that get stuck in between teeth and in the gum line. Food particles can rot and cause odor-causing bacteria to thrive in your mouth. If left unchecked, this can lead to gum disease and other medical problems such as heart disease and diabetes.

Brushing your tongue

The tongue is a common place for bacteria to grow. If you do not brush your tongue when you brush your teeth, the bacteria can cause bad breath. Tongue scrapers work to remove leftover food particles from the surface of the tongue in addition to removing debris and dead skin cells. A gentle stroke across the tongue with the tongue scraper should be enough to remove any buildup on the tongue. You should continue brushing your tongue until no plaque remains on its surface.

Cleaning your dentures or dental appliances

It’s important to properly clean and care for your dentures or dental appliances every day to maintain good oral health. When cleaning your dentures or dental appliances, use a soft-bristled brush or denture cleaner to gently remove debris and bacteria from your prostheses. You should also make sure to rinse your prosthesis with water after you take it out of your mouth and store it overnight in a soaking solution. The soak will disinfect your prosthetic while removing any buildup of stains. Remember that using a mouthwash that contains alcohol can damage and warp your prosthetics. So be sure not to use those types of products on your false teeth.

Avoiding dry mouth

A dry mouth is a condition that occurs when there is not enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. There are several reasons why you may have an inadequate amount of saliva in your mouth, including certain medications and salivary gland disease. Some people also have chronically dry mouths due to lifestyle factors, such as not drinking enough water throughout the day or not eating enough healthy foods. Having a dry mouth can be uncomfortable, especially when talking and eating. You may also find that you have a chronic sore throat if you are frequently experiencing a dry mouth. Here are a few things you can do to help avoid a dry mouth:

• Drink more water throughout the day; this will keep your mouth moist and prevent bad breath.
• Eat foods that are high in fiber, as this will help produce saliva. Good foods for increasing saliva production include apples, celery, carrots, nuts, and seeds.
• Chew gum that has sugar in it to help keep your salivary glands active. Or chew sugar-free gum instead.
• Use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps promote healthy tooth enamel and protects teeth against bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
• Purchase an oral rinse that contains fluoride. This will help keep your teeth and mouth clean, as well as aid in the production of saliva.
• Use a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air. This will keep your throat from drying out.
• Visit your doctor if you are taking medication that may be causing you to have a dry mouth. There are alternatives for many medications that cause dry mouth.

Adjusting your diet

Foods that can increase your risk of bad breath include onions, garlic, coffee, and tobacco products. If you must eat foods with strong odors, brush your teeth afterward to remove the odor-causing compounds from your mouth. Additionally, watch for hidden sources of sugar in your diet, such as candy, soda, or other sweet drinks. These are usually high in sugar and can increase your risk of tooth decay. Alcohol can also dry out the mouth and cause bad odors. Cut back on these substances to help freshen your breath.

Getting a new toothbrush

When you brush and floss regularly, it’s usually not necessary to change your toothbrush as often as is recommended by your dentist. However, you should still replace your toothbrush – either electric or manual – every three to four months or when it starts to show wear.

Scheduling regular dental checkups

Dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining your oral health. We recommend scheduling your dental appointment every six months for regular exams and professional cleanings. During these appointments, we’ll remove any built-up tartar on your teeth, polish your teeth, and check for any cavities or other signs of oral issues. If you are experiencing any signs of gingivitis or gum disease and have not been keeping up with your regular dental cleanings, one of our doctors will recommend more frequent visits with us in order to treat these issues and prevent further complications.

Give us a call today to schedule your appointment! We would be happy to answer any of your questions about dentistry procedures in Modesto, CA. You can book an appointment with our dentist in Turlock, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 668-3736 or our dentist in Modesto, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 409-8839.